Probably one of the most aggravating things I deal with as a tanning salon owner, is my clients thinking they don't need to use lotion. I mean, of course there is a portion of it that is simply "Because I Want the money" but the more frustrating part is the long term effects on their skin, the fact that their skin barely tans, they need more sessions to get a tan, and all the effects that has on the tanning industry as a whole.

When a customer gives me that "look" the look of "You're just some guy trying to sell me useless crap" I think for a moment...... "Could I hit them with the bottle, stuff them in the closet, without getting caught?" Then reality sets in, I try to remain calm and explain to them, these few simple facts.

1. You need to prepare your skin to tan. Dry skin doesn't tan as well, dry skin, reflects light, instead of absorbing it. This can mean you will get a sunburn easier as well. By using lotion your skin is moist, and healthy and supple, ready to take in the sun.

2. You need to protect your skin! Most of the lotions at GOLD'N TAN - I cannot speak for others - are high quality lotions. Many of our lotions are aloe vera based, which is widely known for its positive effects on the skin during moderate to heavy sun exposure. When using a tanning lotion, the main active ingredients are those which accelerate your skins ability to generate melanin. The process by which the skin tans - simplified - is the conversion of Tyrosine, to Melanin, by the UVA portion of light. Your body produces some Tyrsosine, but not enough to actually keep up a high-quality unit like the matrix, especially with its low UVB output. It's similar to having the fastest brick wall building crew, and no bricks. So by not using lotion, you are going to have to a lot more, to get the same tan. Chewing up MORE minutes and increasing your total UV exposure which puts added stress on the skin, especially without the moisturizing qualities of lotion to take care of your skin. 

3. You want to prolong your tan. By using lotion, along with some other very basic skincare principles like exfoliating during your shower, your skin will stay healthy, and thus stay tanned LONGER. This means less tanning, using less minutes tha you are paying for, and keeping the same look.

So by ignoring the Prepare/Protect/Prolong factors in using lotion, we end up with wrinkly un-tanned customers, that will go on to talk about how TANNING is bed, when its just tanning like an idiot thats bad. Doing ANYTHING like an idiot is bad, you could drive your car with your feet if you want to, doesn't means its a good idea! 

Besides all the fun benefits like smelling good and anti-oxidants, lotion is absolutely imperitive to tanning. It would be like if you saw your little cousin brushing his teeth without toothpaste, you would think he's being stupid. If he argued with you on the importance of toothpaste, you'd tell him he's being retarded, yet you are not a dentist. It's common sense, which isn't so common these days. This is why I get frustrated with people when I have to "SELL" them lotion, rather than just show them the lotions, let them smell them, explain the features and the benefits of those features, and let them happily pick a favorite.

Thanks again for reading, hope you learned something. :)